Flourish

A Night In

"Happy Halloween!" You smiled into the phone, turning the steel ring on your finger as your heart hammered as it always did when you called most people. This was a little different than normal, as you were talking with your boyfriend, Dr. Spencer Reid.

You had run into him at a nearby coffee shop 2 weeks ago, literally. Coffee went everywhere and you remember nearly crying but he was so respectful and kind, correcting himself when he called you "Ma'am" and you told him "Sir."

"Aw, you didn't have to call! A text would have been fine." You could hear him smiling through his words, telling you the call was worth the hammering of your heart and the building energy in your hands.

You waved your free hand around you, trying to expel some of the nervous, excited energy. "Are we still going out for dinner tonight?"

"Yeah, of course. I'm lucky we didn't get a case today. Are you still alright with the idea of going out?" Spencer and yourself had talked about your experiences with being on the spectrum when he had first noticed you stimming. He always asked before dates if you were still in the mood to go out or be around other people.

"Yes! I'm really excited!" You couldn't help but flap your free hand. The relationship was fairly new, but you couldn't think of anyone else you'd rather be with. Especially on your new endeavor to get out more.

"Good. I'll swing by in half an hour." There was shuffling and the jingling of keys on the other end of the phone and took that as your cue to let him go.

You nodded before hanging up the phone, hurrying to your room to get ready.

You pulled your skin-toned binder on, the pressure relaxing your nerves as well as soothing any previous dysphoria. You took to your phone, putting on some tunes to dance to while you put on a shirt before buttoning up a white shirt over it. It was probably going to be a little chilly so you put on a dark gray jacket after zipping up and buttoning your skinny jeans.

You took one last look in the mirror before sitting down on the couch in your living room, spinning the ring on your finger and rocking back and forth as anxiety bubbled in your stomach.

You had been so lucky to have bumped into Spencer, he was so smart and understanding. He never judged you for or tried to stop you from stimming. So far in your eyes, he was the closest to perfect anyone could get.

When you heard the soft knocking on your door, you jumped up and were out the door before Spencer could say his greetings.

You weren't excited for being out and around a lot of people, but you were excited to be spending time with your boyfriend. From the amused smirk on his face and the way he reached for your hand, he was too.

The car ride to the movies was silent, just how you liked it. When driving, you wanted it to be quiet so you could focus on the passing scenery. Spencer learned that on your first date and didn't seem bothered by it at all. You knew some people might have seen it as awkward, but to you, it was more intimate than a conversation.

You hadn't really gone to the movies since you were a child, but you were hoping that now as an adult you could handle the loudspeakers and the possibility of a crowded room.

Of course, you were going to see a scary movie, as it had turned out to be a shared interest between the two of you. As you entered the warm lobby you found yourself clinging to the fabric of Spencer's cardigan. You picked up on this and made sure not to walk too fast and stay in front of you while you waited in line for tickets.

Suddenly all the noises and smells overwhelmed you, making anxious energy buzz in your head and hands. You lifted a hand to your hair, tugging slightly before bringing it back down, back up, tugging, putting it down. You tried to spin the ring on your finger to keep your hands busy and away from your head but it was starting to become too much, frustrated tears welling in your eyes.